Ukraine has taken down the Soviet hammer and sickle symbol from the towering ‘Motherland’ statue in the heart of Kyiv. The statue, which stands at 335ft, is the centerpiece of Ukraine’s national museum for WWII.
The statue depicts a woman brandishing a sword and shield, overseeing the city. The removal of the Soviet hammer and sickle from the shield is seen as another act of defiance against Russian influence.
The decision to remove the Soviet symbol comes as part of a broader effort by Ukraine to distance itself from its Soviet past and assert its independence. The hammer and sickle, a symbol representing the Soviet Union, has been associated with the Russian occupation of Ukraine and the oppression that followed.
In place of the Soviet symbol, the Ukrainian trident, a national emblem, will be installed on the shield. The trident represents Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
This act of removing the Soviet symbol from the ‘Motherland’ statue is seen as a strong statement of defiance against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government. It is a reflection of Ukraine’s continued efforts to assert its independence and identity separate from Russia.
The ‘Motherland’ statue is a significant monument for Ukraine, commemorating its role and sacrifices during WWII. The removal of the Soviet symbol is seen as a step towards reclaiming Ukraine’s own narrative and commemorating its own history without the shadow of Soviet influence.
The move has been met with both support and criticism. Supporters view it as a necessary step towards Ukraine’s independence, while critics argue that it erases a part of history. Nevertheless, the removal of the Soviet symbol from the ‘Motherland’ statue is a powerful symbol of defiance and a reminder of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for freedom and self-determination.